Wildfire Safety

Wildfires can be part of a natural cycle that helps to maintain the health of our forests or they can be devastating resulting in loss of life and property. An immense wildfire danger exists where homes blend together with the wild land, creating the wild land / urban interface. The addition of homes interrupts the natural cycle of wildfires. Ultimately, this contributes to a dangerous build-up of old vegetation, leading to an uncontrollable wildfire.

Carbon Canyon, located in Northern Orange County and adjacent to Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, comprises approximately 1,758 acres and is part of the wild land / urban interface in Brea. Carbon Canyon Road bisects the canyon and serves residents in El Rodeo, Olinda Village, Holleydale Park, and La Vita Hot Springs.

Safety Guidelines

Living close to nature can be both beautiful and dangerous. Homeowners and residents can take a proactive approach to dealing with wild land fires by practicing some simple guidelines. Those who live near open space need to recognize the additional responsibility to get prepared before they relax and enjoy the outdoor setting.

Roofs should be made of noncombustible material, use a Class A fire-resistive material.

Trees need to be trimmed away from the roof and 10 feet away from the chimney.

Plants should be low growing and less combustible.

Combustible materials should be stored away from the home.

Make sure the yard is well trimmed and free of debris.

Roof and gutters should be cleaned of leaves and pine needles.

Make sure there is a 30-foot non-combustible fire break surrounding your home.

Make sure an adequate water supply is available to fight fire.

Be sure good access is provided for emergency vehicles.

Make sure your home can be well identified.

Plant vegetation should be kept away from windows and inside corners.

Water and maintain vegetation, remove dead materials.

Install double-pane tempered glass windows.

Install a spark arrestor.

Before

Before a wildfire strikes:

Know where your gas, electric, and water main shut-off controls are and how to use them.

Become familiar with your community’s disaster-preparedness plans and create a family plan.

Plan several escape routes from your home and neighborhood and designate an emergency meeting place.

Put together an emergency kit.

During

During a wildfire:

Listen to your portable radio for reports and evacuation information.

Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape.

Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked.

Confine pets to one room.

Arrange temporary housing.

When advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Wear protective clothing.

Take your emergency kit.

Lock your home.

Follow the evacuation route that your local officials have identified.